Daily Devotional For March 15, 2025
Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan–who say that they are Jews, but are not, they are actually liars–I will cause them to come and bow down before your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Rev 3:9.
Because the place where I teach has long had a strong contingent of Korean students, I have become intrigued by aspects of Korean culture. One of the most interesting aspects of the culture has to do with bowing. As with many Asian cultures, ritualized bowing is part of the Korean greeting process, as well as in the expression of thanks and apologies.
I have observed that there are a variety of “bows.” When two individuals of equal status meet, the bows are roughly equal in proportion, low but not too low. When a person of higher status meets a person of lower status, he or she acknowledges that person with a bow, but the bow is not as low as the one directed toward the higher status person. When someone has made a nice gesture toward another or has given a gift, the depth of the bow is proportionate to the appreciation in which the gift or gesture is held.
Something similar holds true for the apology bow. It is an aphorism in the Korean culture that when one has truly messed up, the situation can only be redeemed if one “remembers to bow very low.” The deeper the bow the deeper the contrition. This can be helpful even in the Western context. My wife can be ever so upset with me, but there is something about a male bowing in contrition to a woman that melts her heart (or triggers amusement) and defuses what could otherwise turn into an ugly situation.
It is affirming for teachers to bow to a Korean student in greeting, but it is usually a shallow bow, almost a nod. For Koreans this system of bowing is not a carefully calculated action. It is instinctive, a spontaneous cultural reaction to events and people. Similar rituals must have been common in the Greco-Roman world of antiquity.
The Greek word behind “bow down” in our text is the typical word for “worship” in the Book of Revelation. As such it implies a willing acknowledgment that someone else is superior, worthy of adoration and praise. The background to this text is in the Old Testament. The sons of those who oppressed the Jews in Babylon would bow down to them, showing that they were no longer despised, but now were honored (45:14; 49:23; 60:14). The Jews would not need to avenge their own humiliations, God Himself would reverse their fortunes. Likewise, Christians, oppressed by both Jew and Gentile, would be exonerated one day by God (Rev 3:9).
Lord, when I get put down or others get the opportunities I feel I deserve, help me to trust in You to right wrongs in Your good time. Help me not to take things into my own hands, but to wait patiently for Your timing.